PHILADELPHIA | Highrise Development Thread IX

[philatonian]

Originally Posted by josef

Have you guy seen this? Kinda interesting.

"New construction signage unveiled in Phila designed to make notification of problems easier" via @TMacDonaldWHYY

It looks like the design has changed a bit.

[philatonian]

Originally Posted by Flyers2001

Since I started posting on this website I have been a big fan of this project. That corner/area would prosper so much from development there. This development could add to the foot traffic around Colombus Blvd.

Hopefully we get more progress this time around.

I couldn't agree more. I just can't believe they considered the billboard's air rights. I mean that basically means they gave Keystone the same consideration as a neighboring apartment building. I just hope that doesn't set a precedent for the future.

[EastSideHBG]

Window on the Rocky world

A proposal for Art Museum renovation calls for radical changes. Would they be a step too far?

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20140720_Window_on_the_Rocky_world.html#s8pbfhgulqr7k4tV.99

[apetrella802]

Frank Gehry proposed changes to PMA

When this plan first was talked about it emphasized that no external changes would be made or visible from the outside.

The plan to remove the brick from the interior of the main central pediment is really terrible!!! Why? By doing so the building when viewed straight on would give the appearance of a massive and monumental masonry structure that is hollow or dematerialized to some degree. The ancient architectural vocabulary of a Greek/Roman
building, especially one on this scale, is one of the tectonics of post and lintel construction, i.e., massive load bearing stone with a minimum opportunity to open up the wall. We know this building is based on a steel frame but the objective is to create the illusion of a building that could have been built at the height of the Roman Empire.

All the changes Gerhy proposes for the interior are, IMHO, great, even ingenious, a wonderful way to increase space without changing the imperial and monumental exterior. If he would stick to just altering the interior there would be a certain magic to experiencing an interior that was totally unexpected and wonderfully wrought out of the earth beneath the building.

As for the steps, I am a little less upset here. If it weren't for the tourist pull of the Rocky steps I would not alter the steps either. That tourist interest in the steps will fade with time so in that case I do like what he proposes for the stelps. The changes there make the steps somewhat less formidable to the walker. But my real concern is the dematerialized central pediment.

[christof]

Originally Posted by EastSideHBG

Window on the Rocky world

A proposal for Art Museum renovation calls for radical changes. Would they be a step too far?

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20140720_Window_on_the_Rocky_world.html#s8pbfhgulqr7k4tV.99

I like the window / entrance. But it should be a little smaller in scale. Get rid of the sitting area...

[Outta here]

[QUOTE=EastSideHBG;6662095]Window on the Rocky world

A proposal for Art Museum renovation calls for radical changes. Would they be a step too far?


I have no power to change anyones idea on this matter , so no one gives a
rats ass about my opinion . But , I think it is a dumb idea and a waste of
money . How about just using some of that ( spare cash ) to spruce up the subway system and make it a bit safer . I'll bet handy caped users would
appreciate that .........

[cafeguy]

[QUOTE=Outta here;6662838]

Originally Posted by EastSideHBG

Window on the Rocky world

A proposal for Art Museum renovation calls for radical changes. Would they be a step too far?


I have no power to change anyones idea on this matter , so no one gives a
rats ass about my opinion . But , I think it is a dumb idea and a waste of
money . How about just using some of that ( spare cash ) to spruce up the subway system and make it a bit safer . I'll bet handy caped users would
appreciate that .........

Well... money doesn't really work like that. Just cause there is a subway that needs repair doesn't mean I should consider spending my million dollars on it. It's there money and their donations. Regardless... the price tag does seem crazy, but I'm not a huge follower of art, so I couldn't begin to understand whether this renovation would be worth it in the grand scheme of things.

As for the rocky steps... its just freakn' steps. And its just freakn' rocky. Run up the sides. Do whatever you want. Just make sure your pennies are spent wisely while doing it.

[japmes]

[QUOTE=cafeguy;6662962]

Originally Posted by Outta here

Well... money doesn't really work like that. Just cause there is a subway that needs repair doesn't mean I should consider spending my million dollars on it. It's there money and their donations. Regardless... the price tag does seem crazy, but I'm not a huge follower of art, so I couldn't begin to understand whether this renovation would be worth it in the grand scheme of things.

As for the rocky steps... its just freakn' steps. And its just freakn' rocky. Run up the sides. Do whatever you want. Just make sure your pennies are spent wisely while doing it.

My suggested compromise: Build a glass window into the steps so that the steps are the window.

[McBane]

Does anyone else feel annoyed that we have one of the greatest art museum in the country but it's mostly recognized for the steps that were featured in a movie that was released almost 40 years ago?

We need more people to pay the entry fee and support the museum. Remember, the tourists that run up and down the stairs, they're not doing anything for the economy (unless you really think they came all the way to Philly to visit the steps). So let's get our priorities in order and focus on what's really important here.

[Dean4983]

My personal belief is that it's not a bad thing for the steps to be known for Rocky. It's very popular, people love it, so be it. I happen to be, apparently, the rare Philadelphian that doesn't hate the steps because of that. It is a beautiful building and the steps are an important aspect of it. They provide a beautiful place for people to congregate. I don't like the alterations because I feel they take away from the grand entrance.

I also think it is wrong to think that popularity will fade with time. As mentioned, the movie is decades old and still people make the association. I see people from other countries coming and running up the stairs. Everyone knows it. People who love the movie watch it with their kids, who in turn grow to love it as well. And the idea persists. The popularity isn't going to fade anytime soon.

I don't understand why people get so bent out of shape about it. People either like art or they don't. It has nothing to do with Rocky. If Rocky didn't exist, that wouldn't all of a sudden make the museum more popular.

Originally Posted by McBane

Remember, the tourists that run up and down the stairs, they're not doing anything for the economy

Not every tourist attraction needs to cost something. The tourists themselves are spending money and aiding the economy simply by being there. Eating lunch, buying things, visiting other attractions that interest them that charge a fee. Like I said, if they cared about art, they would go in.

[MikeNigh]

What might be helpful too is to put some galeries in that the type of people who like to run up rocky steps would be interested in seeing. I don't imagine really old american / european art of gods flowers babies and sail boats are a part of that list.

[japmes]

Originally Posted by Dean4983

My personal belief is that it's not a bad thing for the steps to be known for Rocky. It's very popular, people love it, so be it. I happen to be, apparently, the rare Philadelphian that doesn't hate the steps because of that. It is a beautiful building and the steps are an important aspect of it. They provide a beautiful place for people to congregate. I don't like the alterations because I feel they take away from the grand entrance.

I also think it is wrong to think that popularity will fade with time. As mentioned, the movie is decades old and still people make the association. I see people from other countries coming and running up the stairs. Everyone knows it. People who love the movie watch it with their kids, who in turn grow to love it as well. And the idea persists. The popularity isn't going to fade anytime soon.

Agree. At this point, running up the steps is a phenomena all it's own, aside from the Rocky movie. If anything, I'd say it raises the profile of the Art Museum among people who might not otherwise have any interest in it. I'd be careful about obstructing the steps too much.

[wondertwinalpha]

I'd be careful about obstructing the steps too much.

Build a glass window into the steps so that the steps are the window.

Glass steps, at least up the center section, would be cool, but probably expensive.

no one gives a
rats ass about my opinion

[summersm343]

Rodin Square- now Dalian on Fairmount

The old Best Western site has been fenced off. Could be some demo work soon.

http://www.ocfrealty.com/naked-philly/lo...t-western-suggests-work-could-start-soon

And another article from CurbedPhilly
http://philly.curbed.com/archives/2014/0...odin-square-receives-financial-boost.php

[McBane]

Originally Posted by Dean4983

Not every tourist attraction needs to cost something. The tourists themselves are spending money and aiding the economy simply by being there. Eating lunch, buying things, visiting other attractions that interest them that charge a fee. Like I said, if they cared about art, they would go in.

Right. But I'm assuming the tourist is already here and didn't come solely to run up those stairs. If they're not doing the steps, surely there is enough in this city to entertain them. That being said, I'd imagine they'd still need to eat food and spend money. I mean, I suppose the guys that sell water near the steps might lose some money.

I don't have a problem with the stairs. They obviously are beautiful. But the fact that that museum which hosts an amazing collection of art is best known for the steps is a bit irksome.

[PhillySteaks]

Minutes from the June25th Spring Garden Civic Association

Speaker: Eric Blumenfeld

http://springgardencdc.com/pdf/CivicMinutesJune.pdf

Notable:
Eric talked about joining with Joe Volpe again in another
venture. Volpe
has a Trolley Company, and they propose to set up a trolley loop to go up
and down North Broad St.
One resident suggested that it run up North broad St, West on Girard, down to Spring Garden and back up north Broad. With another loop going down Fairmount Ave. to the Art Museum.

[relnahe]

[QUOTE=Outta here;6662838]

Originally Posted by EastSideHBG

Window on the Rocky world

A proposal for Art Museum renovation calls for radical changes. Would they be a step too far?


I have no power to change anyones idea on this matter , so no one gives a
rats ass about my opinion . But , I think it is a dumb idea and a waste of
money . How about just using some of that ( spare cash ) to spruce up the subway system and make it a bit safer . I'll bet handy caped users would
appreciate that .........

[tsarstruck]

Originally Posted by PhillySteaks

Minutes from the June25th Spring Garden Civic Association

Speaker: Eric Blumenfeld

http://springgardencdc.com/pdf/CivicMinutesJune.pdf

Notable:
Eric talked about joining with Joe Volpe again in another
venture. Volpe
has a Trolley Company, and they propose to set up a trolley loop to go up
and down North Broad St.
One resident suggested that it run up North broad St, West on Girard, down to Spring Garden and back up north Broad. With another loop going down Fairmount Ave. to the Art Museum.

Damn. Chock full of tidbits.

* Avram Hornik (Union Transfer, Boot & Saddle, etc.) partnering with him for a 3,500 seat venue at the Metropolitan Opera House.
* Plans for Divine Lorraine seem to be residential for now but "Later, perhaps it could be converted to a boutique hotel" (Ha).
* Studebaker building to have a catering company and two restaurants, Creole and a Mexican "trendy" spot
* 56 loft-like apartments at Stevens Administrative Building

I'll be honest. All of these ideas seem pretty pie in the sky. Especially since he's talking about doing all of them in 15 months.

[mPhilly]

Originally Posted by McBane

Right. But I'm assuming the tourist is already here and didn't come solely to run up those stairs. If they're not doing the steps, surely there is enough in this city to entertain them. That being said, I'd imagine they'd still need to eat food and spend money. I mean, I suppose the guys that sell water near the steps might lose some money.

I don't have a problem with the stairs. They obviously are beautiful. But the fact that that museum which hosts an amazing collection of art is best known for the steps is a bit irksome.

True tourists aren't coming to Philly because of the Rocky movies, but running the steps at the museum does add to the overall vacation of many visitors. I've hosted plenty of friends in Philly (including sophisticated art enthusiasts) and they certainly enjoyed the scene outside the museum partly due to atmosphere around the steps. I really don't think its a phenomenon that is going to go away. If anything these types of traditions only become more ingrained in societies as time goes by until eventually they become completely detached from the thing that started them. I would argue this has already happened because if you head down to the museum right this second you'll see little kids running up the stairs with huge smiles on their faces even though they have no idea what "Rocky" is. It is something that gives people a good impression of their visit here and therefore it is part of what will bring those people back again.

I don't see ANY reason to ruin this experience to be honest with you. First of all I don't think the viewing window is at all appealing from the outside view. It reminds me of something that will become dirty and frowned upon in a few years like the former pit outside City Hall that is becoming Dilworth Plaza. That window will be covered in fingerprints and dust about 10 minutes after cleaning. I think somebody else mentioned this, but I think it distracts your attention from the building as well. Your eyes should not be drawn to huge gaping hole in the center of the approach to a beautiful building. The picture of the model provided is deceptive in that it presents a more pleasing perspective for viewing the window (that of being 50 feet above the museum, rather than at street level).

I'd rather just see them stick some small Louvre-style skylights on the grounds. Cheaper, more classy and timeless, and won't ruin a popular experience.

[summersm343]

FMC TOWER at 49 floors and 730 is officially under construction.

Caught them lowering the second rebar cage in today (caisson installation) which signals the start of foundation work or the start of construction which means the thread can officially be moved to the Highrise Construction sub-forum.

Congratulations guys! It's a good day to be in Philly

Lowering rebar cage in with concrete truck ready to pour into the holes


Second rebar cage being lowered in with the first one already in the ground